Wood blocks with nail securing elements



Sept. 26, 1967 I E. M. ROLLE" I WOOD BLOCKS WITH NAIL SECURING ELEMENTS.

Original Filed May 25. 19 60 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 "Flaw? w ML mo R m. mm

BY M%%XAWM p 1967 E. M. ROLLE 3,343,328

WOOD BLOCKS WITH NAIL SECURING ELEMENTS Original Filed May 25, 1960 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 gm I FIG. 9

v INVENTOR. F'G 7 ENRIQUE M. ROLLE ATTORNEY Sept. 26, 1967 E. M. ROLLE 3,343,328

WOOD BLOCKS WITH NAIL SECURING ELEMENTS Original Filed May 25. 1960 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 I32 I INVENTOR. ENRIQUE M. ROLLE ATTORNEY 26 19 6 E. M. ROLLE v WOOD BLOCKS WITH NAIL SECURING ELEMENTS Original Filed May 25. 1960 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 FiG. I7

FIG. I5

INVENTOR. E NRIQUE M. ROLLE ATTORNEY FIGQIQ p 6, 1967 E. M. ROLLE 3,343,328

WOOD BLOCKS WITH NAILSECURING ELEMENTS Original Filed May 25. 1960 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

ENRIQUE M. ROLLE BY FIG. 24

ATTORNEY Sept; 263196? E. M. ROLLE 3,343,32g

WOOD BLOCKS WITH NAIL SECURING ELEMENTS Original Filed May 25. 1960 v 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 B -a EQZZIGZ INVENTOR. ENRIQUE M, RQLLE RY United States Patent 4 Claims. (Cl. 52-573 This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 31,736 filed May 25, 1960, and now abandoned.

This invention relates to elements or blocks of wood to be used in the construction of dwellings or other types of buildings, and to structures built with these building members. More specifically, the invention relates to a construction of blocks which are so designed and coristructed that they can be placed together or assembled in such a manner as to form the Walls, etc. of a building. More particularly, the invention relates to a manner of constructing a plurality of Wooden blocks which are so related as to be capable of being assembled by unskilled labor to form a building or the like from said wood blocks.

One of the most grave and urgent problems facing many countries in the world today is that of providing adequate housing for a rapidly growing population. In many areas, the problem becomes increasingly serious each year, since the expanding population is growing faster than the building abilities of the individual countries, and furthermore large quantities of presently used structures become antiquated and unusable each year. Many Governments, foundations, and individuals have sought solutions to the building problems of these countries. Generally speaking, these agencies or individuals have failed to provide adequate means for solving these problems, since they almost invariably are directed to the utilization of conventional building structures and methods in areas where these are economically or structurally impossible or unfeasible. It has long been apparent that the only true solutions to these mounting problems will be the provision of some means or methods whereby an individual can construct his own dwelling house or other buildings with a minimum amount of material and expense. Also, it is highly desirable, if not absolutely necessary in many areas that the material from which the dwelling is constructed be locally obtained and processed, due to difliculties in transportation and lack of skilled labor.

One of the important factors confronting the planners of new housing is the fact that the areas of the world which are in most need of drastic improvements in housing are those areas which are economically unprepared to adequately provide such housing. At the same time, these same areas are generally lacking in skilled or semi-skilled workers which are adequately trained in present day construction techniques to erect the structures needed, even if the money and resources were available. Also, in many cases the natural resources from which the brick, steel, etc. usually used in buildings must be made are not available, which further increases the cost and transportation problems involved.

The building materials and methods used at the present time fail to provide an inexpensive type of building material which is easily transportable and which can be erected by unskilled laborers under varying types of conditions. More specifically, the brick masonry type of buildings present problems in some areas of the world because the raw material for manufacturing of the brick, cement or other types of materials used in this construction are not available, and also the means for transporting such heavy material to and from the building site is not available. Also, specialized labor and equipment is required to manufacture the brick, and skilled labor is required to lay it in the conventional manner. Additional materials, such as water, sand, cement, etc., are required in the building process. Furthermore, in this type of construction special skill is required in placing window frames, door jams, etc. This type of construction requires a finishing process, that is plaster, stucco, etc. which is often not available, nor is the required trained labor force. Some constructions using brick masonry process require the use of reinforced concrete or steel braces, pillars, etc., which of course, is unfeasible in remote areas.

Prefabrication of building structures to be shipped to the building site is also uneconomical and for all practical purposes unsuitable in many areas due to the fact that the skilled labor required in assembling the units is not available, as well as the fact that specialized equipment is often necessary. The cost of this type of building or dwelling is usually high.

Metallic constructions utilizing steel beam, sheet metals, and the like, present perhaps the greatest problems in remote areas. Not only is cost high, but transportation is almost unobtainable and specialized skill and equipment is necessary during construction.

In general then, it can be stated that present and known types of construction are undesirable due to the high costs involved, transportation requirements, the need of specialized labor and technical direction in construction and/ or assembly of the building, the difiiculties involved in self construction, and theneed of finishing materials, such as plaster and the like.

With these problems in mind, the present invention is directed to the use of a building block, preferably made of wood which is generally available in most areas. The building block of the invention makes possible an almost complete utilization of the tree, which eliminates waste and reduces the over-all cost. The construction system of the invention is characterized by the use of a plurality of these building blocks for the construction of walls, partitions, etc., in any type of building or house, and the blocks are designed and constructed so that finishing materials, such as plaster and the like, are unnecessary. Also, the blocks are so designed that they can be erected by unskilled labor in any area, and they are sized and are of such weight that they are easily transported to even the most remote areas.

In accordance with the present invention a building block preferably formed of wood or similar material is provided which is usable in the construction of many types of buildings. The basic building block is generaly elongated and preferably in the shape of a parallelepiped. The block is shaped on its upper and lower surfaces to provide for positive alignment of-one row of blocks to connect the blocks together endwise, which also seals the connecting joints from the passage of air, water, etc. In some instances, it is desirable to leave an air space between the rows of blocks to provide for change in dimensions due to drying of the wood. In still other instances, it is desirable to add ventilating perforations to the blocks from top to bottom of the wall in an irregular path to provide for even and equal drying of the blocks. Various shaped blocks can be used for corner blocks, intersection blocks, terminal blocks, etc. Also, suitable openings can be formed in the blocks in which nails or the like are positioned and driven to secure one row of blocks to the underlying row. The lowermost row of blocks can have a protruding ledge portion which diverts water and the like and prevents the ingress of moisture beneath the lower row of blocks. The invention is also directed to a building constructed from the various building members. Many variations of blocks, both in size and shape will be readily apparent from the following description of the invention.

Accordingly it is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved building member.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved building member, preferably made of a wooden block, with similar blocks of various configurations being connectable together to form a building.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a new system for constructing a building from a plurality of building blocks of similar construction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved building material which is economical and easy to erect.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a new construction of wooden building blocks whereby nearly the entire wood in a tree can be utilized.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new building block which can be utilized by unskilled labor in the construction of a building or dwelling.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a new building block whereby provisionais made for the creation of an air space between rows of blocks to permit equal drying of said blocks.

A further object of the invention is to provide a new building block whereby space is left between rows of blocks such that an even fit at the time of construction will continue even after the block has dried.

Another object of the invention is to provide, a new building block which eliminates the necessity of finishing materials or surfaces.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new building block which can be used without the necessity of plaster, stucco, mortar and the like.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a new building block whereby provision is made at the ends of the blocks to receive the framework of doors, windows, and the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new building structure.

A further object of the invention is to provide a new building structure constructed of a plurality of rows of building elements having means thereon to align one row of the blocks on another row of the blocks.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an iso-metric view of a corner of a structure constructed of preferred specific embodiments of the building blocks of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged elevation view showing the nailing of the individual rows of such blocks together.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged iso-metric view of the preferrred modular block of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the block of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is transverse cross section view through the block of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a preferred terminal block.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the terminal block shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a preferred middle block which is one-half the size of the modular block.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the middle block shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of one of the preferred types of corner blocks shown.

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the corner block shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a preferred intersection or T-shaped block.

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of the block shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a partial cross section view through a wall showing the stacking of the rows of blocks and the foot block in position on the foundation.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross section view through a preferred ventilating block.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a variable length block similar to the modular block shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the variable length block of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged end iso-metric view of a preferred foot block.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged end iso-metric view of a preferred foot block.

FIG. 20 is a cross section view through one of the blocks showing a preferred nail setting means.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged end iso-metric view of a preferred ventilating block.

FIG. 22 is a plan view of a preferred ventilating block showing two types of arrangements of the ventilating holes.

FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of the ventilating block shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged cross section view of the end joint between two blocks showing one preferred manner of sealing the joint.

FIG. 25 is an iso-metric view of a corner of a building showing another preferred corner construction.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged plan view of another preferred alternative corner block.

FIG. 27 is a side elevation view of the corner block shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 are plan views of the right and left hand corner blocks of still another preferred type of corner block.

FIG. 30 is a side elevation view of the corner block shown in FIG. 28.

The following is a discussion and description of preferred specific embodiments of the new building member and building structure of the invention, such being made with reference to the drawings whereon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/ or structure. It is to be understood that such discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show a block 40 which is the primary building unit in the construction of a dwelling or the like as contemplated by the invention. The building member or block 40 is generally in the shape of a parallelepiped, as shown in the drawings, and is preferably elongated. The block 40 is grooved along the center of the lower face as shown at 42. The groove preferably extends over the major width of the block and provides equally sized legs 44 on each side of the groove 42. The groove has a fiat central portion 43, and sides 45 which form part of the legs 44 and are preferably inclined outwardly as best seen in FIG. 5. The groove 42 preferably extends the entire longitudinal length of the block 40 and opens to both ends thereof.

The upper or top face of the block 40 has a projecting portion 46 which preferably extends the entire longitudinal length of the block and is positioned directly over the groove 42. The projecting portion 46 has a fiat top portion 48 and inclined sides 50 sloping outwardly from the top 48. The inclined sides 50 preferably slope at the same angle as the sides 45 of the groove 42 in the lower face of the block 40.

The projecting portion 46 of the block is preferably the same width at its base as the groove 42 is at its outer limits and the projecting portion 46 is preferably not quite as high as the groove 42 is deep. All of the longitudinal and vertical edges of the block 40 are preferably beveled as shown at 52.

A number of openings 54 have been provided from the pro ecting portion 46 into the center portion of the block 40. The openings 54 are preferably longitudinally spaced along the center of the projecting portion 46 and are preferably aligned thereon as shown. The openings 54 are provided to receive nails to mount the block 40 on similar blocks in a manner explained hereinafter. In some instances it will be desirable to stagger the openings 54 to eliminate the possibility of splitting of the blocks 40.

Recesses 56 are provided in each end of the block 40 from the upper to the lower face thereof connecting or meeting the projecting portion 46 and the groove 42. The recesses 56 are preferably semi-circular or triangular in cross section, however other configurations can be used if desired. When the blocks are laid end to end around a hole or a square hole will be formed by the abutting ends of the blocks 40 having the recesses 56 therein. The recesses can then be filled with various sealants, such as mortar, concrete, plaster, wooden or metal plugs, etc., as shown at '57 in FIG. 24 to seal the joint between adjacent blocks 40, in order to avoid the passage of light, air, water, etc. through the seams.

During construction, the blocks are placed end to end to form a row of blocks with the round holes or square holes formed by the recesses 56 at the ends of each block 40 being filled with mortar 57 or the like to seal the joint or seam and help in positioning the blocks. When one row has been completed, a second row is laid over the top of the first row of blocks much in the manner of laying brick masonry. The upper row of blocks is preferably staggered in relation to the lower row of blocks as seen in FIG. 2 so that the ends of the blocks of each row are not directly over one another. Preferably, the blocks are staggered so that the ends of the blocks of the individual rows are adjacent the center portion of the block of the adjacent row.

The projecting portions 46 of the lower row of blocks will be received in the grooves 42 of the upper row of blocks, and since the base of the projecting portion 46 is the same width as the groove 42 at its outer limits, and since the sides 50 of the projecting portion 46 are inclined outwardly in the same angle as the sides 45 of the groove 42, the projecting portion 46 will fit snugly within the groove 42. However, as previously stated the projecting portion 46 is prefer-ably shorter in height than the depth of the groove 42, thereby leaving a narrow space between the upper face 48 of the projection 46 and the bottom 43 of the groove 42. This small space is preferably provided since in many areas where this construction will be used the blocks 40 will be formed from uncured or green wood, which will change dimensions as it drys. By providing the space between the projecting portion 46 and the groove bottom 43 as herein-before described the drying process can take place without materially effecting the strength or dimensions of the building structure itself. Also, the mating tapered sides of the projecting portion 46 and the groove 42 will elfectively seal the space between the projecting portion 46 and the groove 42 so that there will be no leakage of air, water, or the like from the exterior of the wall to the interior.

When the rows of blocks 40 have been positioned in the manner hereinbefore described and shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, nails 60 or the like can be placed in the openings 54 and driven through the lower portion of the blocks 40 into the next lower row of blocks 40. The nails 60 can be driven by a suitable tool 62, as shown in FIG. 20 of the drawings. The tool 62 is preferably dimensioned so that the end 64 of the toolis received within the opening 54 to engage the head of the nail 60 during the driving operation. A shoulder 66 on the upper portion of the tool 62 is preferably positioned thereon so that it will engage the upper face of the block 40 when the nail 60 has been driven through the block 40 with the head of the nail 60 engaging the bottom of the opening 54, or in some instances the portion 64 and tool can be extended to countersink the nail 60 in the bottom of the opening 54. The openings 54 are made in the blocks 40 so that when they are assembled in the manner hereinbefore described the openings or holes 54 will not be aligned from one block to the other, thus preventing the possibility of driving the nail 60 from one hole 54 into a similar hole or opening 54 in the lower row of blocks and preventing the securing of the two blocks together. When the blocks are assembled as just described, a sealant, plaster, etc., can be placed in the grooved edges of the blocks, if desired, however in most instances this will not be necessary.

In order to insure that the rows of blocks will not coincide with the ends of one row of blocks directly over the other row of blocks, but to be laid in the overlapping fashion described with one row displaced longitudinally from another row, it is desirable that the block be made of a standard unit of length or a modular block be used. For this reason, the block shown in FIGS. 3 through 5 has been indicated as having a length A and width B, which illustrates the modular block preferred. The dimensions A and B are varied according to the particular types of buildings constructed, however for any type of building the length A and width B is preferably consistent in order to obtain the desired stacking arrangement of the blocks. The modular block of length A and width B can be used to form the major portion of all of the walls of buildings. When the corner of the building is reached in construction, a block with different dimensions is preferably used, since one of the blocks at the corner will abut the side of the other modular block. Therefore, a second standard block having dimensions of length A minus B and of width B is provided. Thus, the preferred overlapping or stacking of the blocks is preserved by the use of the second dimensioned block A minus B which abuts the standard block which extends into the corner of the building. Also, it is desirable that in some instances the block in the corner be only half the standard unit to preserve the overlapping. Thus, the dimensions A/ 2 plus B for a third preferred standard or modular block are shown on FIG. 4 of the drawings.

The block A/Z plus B will fit in the corner of the building unit, and a standard or modular block of length A will abut the block A/ 2 plus B at the side thereof.

In addition to the standard size blocks described above, a block is provided having a length of A/2 and a width of B. This block is used in various places in the building,

such as window openings, d-oor openings, etc. This block is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings and is represented by the numeral 70. The block 70 is the same in construction as the block shown in FIGS. 3 through 5 with the exception of the dimension A/2 for the length. The use of the block 70 is shown in FIG. 1.

A terminal block has also been provided and is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and is indicated generally by the m1- meral 72. The terminal block 72 has various applications,

such as providing the end block of an interior wall to form a free or open passageway from room to room into a closet, etc. The terminal block 72 has dimensions similar to the modular blocks indicated in FIG. 4. The construction of the terminal block 72 is also the same as the modular block shown in FIGS. 3 through 5 with the exception that the projecting portion 74 and the groove 76 of the terminal block 72 end adjacent to one end 78 of the block 72. The groove 76 and the projecting portion 74 at the terminal end 78 thereof are preferably inclined out- Wardly as shown at 80 and 82 respectively. Thus, when the terminal blocks are arranged one over the other the inclined portion 80 of the projecting portion 74 will abut or mate with the inclined portion 82 of the groove 76 of the next higher row of blocks. The same relation is retained for the relative dimensions of the projecting portion 74 and the groove 76 as Was previously described in regard to FIGS. 3 through S to provide the same accurate positioning of the blocks as well as allowing for an air space between the flat top of the projecting portion 74 and the flat bottom of the groove 76.

A foot block of difierent construction is preferably used as the bottom row, or row of blocks mounted directly on the foundation of the building. These foot blocks are shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. Foot block 90 in FIG. 18 is the type preferred for interior walls. The block 90 has a groove 92 and a projecting portion 94 which are constructed and dimensioned relative to each other in the manner hereinbefore described in connection with the block of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. The recess 96 at each end of the block is also preferably of the same construction as the recess 56 previously described, and is used for the same purpose. The block 90 has a hole or opening 98 which extends entirely through the block 90 from the projecting portion 94 to the groove 92. The hole 98 receives suitable mounting means, such as a headed bolt, not shown, which rigidly mounts the block 90 onto the foundation of the building. The foundation can be of any suitable type, such as the standard concrete foundations, wooden foundations, brick, etc. A step or shoulder can be provided in the top portion of the hole 98 to engage the head of the mounting bolt so that the head does not project from the top of the projecting portion 94 of the block. The lower longitudinal edges 100 of the block 90 are preferably square, instead of being beveled and shown at 52 in FIG. 5. Also, it will be obvious that for some applications the groove 92 can be dispensed with and the lower surface of the block 90 can be fiat. The block 40 can be used as a foot block by the addition of the holes 98, if de sired. This eliminates one step of the preparation of the building block 90, and also prevents possible confusion by the individual builder between the block 90 and the block 40.

The exterior foot block '102 shown in FIG. 19 is preferably the same construction as the interior foot block 90 of FIG. 18 with the exception of the extending ledge portion 104 which is preferably formed on only one side of the block 102. The ledge 104 has its upper surface 106 and lower surface 108 inclined downwardly and outwardly from said block as shown. The upper surface 106 of the extending ledge 104 preferably extends from the upper surface of the block. The lower surface 108 of the ledge 104 is preferably elevated or spaced vertically from the leg 110 of the block 102. The exterior foot block 102 is mounted on the foundation 112 of the building, as shown in FIG. 14 by the bolt 114 which passes through the hole 98 in the block into the foundation 112. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 14, the ledge 104 extends to the exterior side of the building and provides a drip ledge which receives moisture and the like running down the side of the blocks 40 and deflects the water beyond the edge of the foundation 112. The ledge 104 thus prevents the ingress of water into the building between the lower surface of the block 102 and the upper surface of the foundation 112. The interior foot block 90 is mounted at the base of the interior walls on the foundation 112, in the same manner. Since the foot blocks 90 and 102 extend entirely around the foundation of the building, they are preferably dimensioned the same as the other modular blocks to provide the desired stacking arrangement and they can also be shaped in accordance with the other blocks shown and described in the application to provide the necessary corner blocks, intersection blocks, terminal blocks, etc.

An example of a preferred intersection block is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 and is indicated generally by the numeral 120. The intersection block 120 is preferably T-shaped, having a base portion 122 and a cross or upper portion 124. The intersection block 120 has projecting portions 126, grooves 128, recesses 130, and beveled longitudinal and vertical edges 132 which are constructed the same as the modular block shown and described in connection with FIGS. 3 through 5. The grooves 128 and the projecting portions 126 of the intersection block 120 do, of course, intersect at the meeting of the base portion 122 and the cross of upper portion 124. The intersection block 120 is used where one wall intersects another wall intermediate the ends of one of the walls. This is shown in FIG. 1 where an interior wall intersects an exterior wall. The dimension of the cross portion of the block shown is A and the base portion is A/ 2 which is in keeping with the modular block construction hereinbefore described, and if desirable the other dimensions for both of the portions of the block can be used, that is the base or cross portions can be the dimension A, A/2, etc. Thus, in stacking the intersection blocks one over the other, the various sizes of modular blocks can be used to continue the staggered arrangements of the blocks and prevent the alignment of the ends of overlying blocks.

Instead of varying the dimensions of the T-shaped block 120 as just described, one size block having a base A/2 and an upper or cross portion A can be used in alternate rows of the block at intersections of walls. The alternate rows in between can be of the standard size modular blocks 40. When this type of stacking arrangement is used, it is preferable to remove either portions of the projecting portion 126 of the T-shaped block 120 or portions of the leg 44 of the blocks 40 to prevent interference of the two blocks. These portions of the block 120 are indicated by the dotted lines in FIG. 12 and are numbered 134 and 135, respectively. By removing the portions 134 or 135 from the projecting portion 126 the feet 44 of the modular blocks will be allowed to lay flat on the T-shaped block 120 in the usual manner. Other variations of assembly of the intersection blocks, or other means of forming the intersection itself will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Various types or embodiments of corner blocks can be used with the building construction of the invention. One of the preferred types is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 and consists of an L-shaped block 140. The block has two legs 142 and 144 which can be dimensioned in accordance with the modular block system, such as one of the legs having the dimension A plus B, or A/2 plus B. The legs can be equal in length, or either of the legs can be longer than the other. By this arrangement, the staggered relation of the individual blocks can be maintained. The block 140 has a projecting portion 146, a groove 148, recesses at the ends of the blocks, mounting openings 152, and beveled edges 154 which are of the same construction as the similar structure described in regard to the blocks FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

Another type of corner block suitable for the construction disclosed is shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. The block 156 is similar in construction to the block 140 except that it is generally cubical, square in plan view. In keeping with the modular block construction the dimension of each side of the block is the dimension B. The projecting portion 158 and the grooved portion 160 of the block 156 are L-shaped as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. The usual recesses 162 are provided only here they are in adjacent sides of the block. The openings 164 receive nails 60 in the same manner as the block structures described hereinbefore.

Still another preferred type of corner block is shown in FIGS. 28 through 30 and is indicated generally by the numeral 166. The corner block of this modification is used to form corners (FIG. 1), and different corners than with the block of FIGS. 10 and 11 (FIG. 25). The block 166 has the projecting portion 168, and the recess or groove 170, the recesses 172 in the end and side of the block ,and the beveled edges 174 which are preferably constructed in accordance with the previously described blocks. This type of corner block is preferably made of the length A plus B or A/ 2 plus B as indicated in the drawings to maintain the staggered assembly of the building blocks as previously described (FIG. 1). This type of corner block is preferably made in a left and right hand model as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. While three specific types of corner blocks have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications of each of these types can be made, and these blocks can be used alone or interchangeably with the other preferred types disclosed and shown in the drawings.

An important feature of the building structures of the invention resulting from the blocks of the invention is the provision of a thin air space between the top of the projecting portions of the blocks and the bottom of the groove of the adjacent row or rows of blocks. The provision of this air space facilitates even curing of the blocks, provides insulation, and allows some dimensional changes of the blocks without loss of the close fit of the various blocks. In order to encourage quick drying of the wood, which will often be used for building immediately after it has been cut, a plurality of perforations can be provided through each of the blocks to provide for passage of air from the air spaces separating the adjacent rows of blocks. A block of this type construction is shown in FIGS. 21 to 23 and in FIG. 15. The perforations 180 extend entirely through the block from the upper face to the lower face, or from the projecting portion 182 to the groove 184. The perforations 180 are preferably spaced along the length of the block, and can be aligned as shown in the left hand portion of FIG. 22, or they can be staggered as shown in the right hand portion of FIG. 22. The perforations 180 are preferably spaced so that when assembled into a building structure they are staggered from the top to the bottom of the walls of the structure, thereby avoiding a direct passage through the building wall. The provision of the perforations 180 allows drying air to pass from any level of the blocks to any other level through the perforations 180, thereby facilitating drying of the blocks and providing for an even drying process.

The building blocks hereinbefore described have been directed to a modular block system which is deemed most desirable, since in many instancesthe building system using the blocks described will be carried out by unskilled labor, particularly by an individual building his own dwelling house or the like. Therefore, the use of the modular block system provides for maintaining the staggered rows of blocks described. In some instances, however, it is desirable to form the blocks of variable dimensions. Such a block in shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 and is indicated by the numeral 190. The block 190 has the preferred projecting portion 192 and the grooved lower face, not shown, the end recesses 194 and the usual opening 196 to receive nails to be driven through the block 190. While the variable dimension block is shown only in FIGS. 16 and 17, it is understood that the various configurations of the blocks, such as the corner blocks, intersection blocks, etc. hereinbefore described can be made of variable dimensions much in the same manner, and used in connection with either the variable dimension blocks for the side walls, or with the modular blocks. The variable dimension block can, in some instances, result in more complete utilization of the lumber from a tree, which can be irnpotrant in some localities, and which is also important from an economic standpoint.

FIGS. 1 and 25 show specific examples of the manner in which the blocks of the invention can be assembled to form a wall or partitions of a building, dwelling, or the like. In FIG. 1, the corner blocks 166 of FIGS. 28 to 30 have ben used, and the intersection block 129 is shown connecting the interior wall and an exterior wall. The drip ledge 104 of foot block 102 is shown for the exterior wall, and the foot block 90, is used as the foot block on the interior wall. The terminal blocks 72 are shown completing the interior wall to provide a doorway or the like. The use of the half size modular block 70 is shown on the left side of FIG. 1 to provide an opening in which a window frame will be placed. Similar openings can be left for dors. The window frames and dor jams, etc. of the building (not shown are preferably made so that the outside thereof is received within the recesses 56, 150, and the like, at the ends of the blocks to thus simplify installation of windows, doors, etc. This prevents the necessity of an additional type of block to be used to form the openings of the windows and doors.

In the wall structure shown in FIG. 25, the corner blocks 156 of FIGS. 26 and 27 are used alternately with the corner blocks of FIGS. 10 and 11. Any of the three types of corner blocks shown and described, as well as other suitable corner blocks can be used interchangeably as the supply and need demands. The blocks of the wall sections of FIGS. 1 and 25 can have the aeration perforations therein if desired. The individual blocks in the wall sections shown in FIGS. 1 and 25 are preferably secured together as described in connection with FIG. 20. Other ways of nailing can be used. For example, the nails can be diagonally driven through the blocks, as shown by the dotted lines 197 in FIGS. 11 and 13.

The variable length blocks as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 can be used in constructing a building in much the same manner. In the structures built from the blocks, when the Walls have reached the desired height, a roof structure of any suitable type can be built thereon to complete the dwelling house, etc.

As will be evident from the foregoing description of the building members of the invention, a building block has been provided which can be economically produced utilizing nearly an entire tree with a minimum of waste. Also, a building system has been devised whereby even unskilled labor can be utilized in constructing a dwelling, building, etc. Furthermore, it is seen that the dwelling can be constructed by an individual without the necessity of skilled labor, specialized equipment, etc. Since wood is readily available in most areas of the world the building member of the invention can be made at the point of assembly, thereby obviating the necessity of transporting heavy construction members of the conventional type to the building site.

While the invention has been described in connection with preferred specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that this description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications of this invention can be made, or followed, in the light of this description and discussion, without departing from the spirit of the disclosure or the scope of the claims.

I claim.

1. A building member for the construction of upright walls of buildings comprising, a dimensionally unstable block made of wood generally having a parallelepiped shape, a wide longitudinally extending groove in the lower face of said block defined by inwardly inclined side surfaces and a wide and flat bottom surface of a width suflicient to extend over a large portion of the width of said block, a wide longitudinally extending upwardly projecting tongue on the upper face of said block defined by inwardly inclined side surfaces and a flat top surface of a width sufiicient to extend over a large portion of the width of said block, said groove and said tongue being of width and said groove being appreciably deeper than said tongue is high an amount providing for maintaining spaced parallel lines of contact between adjacent blocks when laid up in position in contact with said tongue in the groove of an adjacent block and said block is warped arcuately transversely, said block constructed and adapted to in use be positioned in stacked or staggered relationship to form, in combination with similiar blocks, an upright wall.

2,. The building member of claim 1 wherein, said block is elongated, said groove and said tongue are centrally disposed relative said block and each extend over the major portion of the width of said block, the end faces of said block has vertically extending grooves positioned thereon to provide for connecting two of said blocks end to end in sealed relationship, said block is reversible, the longitudinal extending edges of said block have bevel 1 1 surfaces, the vertically extending edges of said block have bevel surfaces, said block has at least one vertical nail aperture extending downwardly through said tongue, and said upright wall is finished on the outside surfaces.

3. An upright wall comprising, in combination, a plurality of super-imposed courses of dimensionally unstable blocks made of wood, each of said wood blocks generally having a parallelepiped shape, a wide longitudinally extending groove in the lower face thereof defined by inwardly inclined side surfaces and a wide and flat bottom surface of a width sufficient to extend over a large portion of the width of said block, a wide longitudinally extending upwardly projecting tongue on the upper face of said block defined by inwardly inclined side surfaces and a fiat top surface of a width sufficient to extend over a large portion of the width of said block, said groove and said tongue being of width and said groove being appreciably deeper than said tongue is high an amount providing for maintaining spaced parallel lines of contact of the adjacent block when said block is warped arcuately transversely, said blocks forming in combination a stable upright wall having cavities in the central portion.

4. The upright wall of claim 3 wherein, said blocks are elongated, said groove and tongue in said blocks are centrally disposed and extend over a major portion of the width of said blocks, the end surfaces of said blocks have vertically extending grooves, the longitudinally extending edges of said blocks have bevel surfaces, the vertically extending edges of said blocks have bevel surfaces, said blocks have at least one vertical nail aperture extending downwardly through the tongue, nail means positively secure said blocks in super-imposed assembled position, said nail means disposed in the vertically extending nail apertures in said block and extending downwardly in engagement with blocks in the adjacent underlying course, and said wall being weather-tight and having a finished outside surface.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 682,312 9/1901 Zwicker 52285 977,946 12/1910 Geraerdts 52285 1,365,705 1/1921 Lannert 52603 2,074,813 3/1937 Sill 52284 2,291,712 8/1942 Hatton 52272 2,563,703 8/1951 Bonney 52-233 2,696,102 12/1954 Zagray 52436 2,902,853 9/1959 Lofstrom 52286 FOREIGN PATENTS 136,318 2/1950 Australia.

511,728 2/ 1952 Belgium.

415,757 7/1910 France.

920,348 1/1947 France. 1,033,385 4/1953 France. 1,088,846 9/1954 France.

944,089 8/1956 Germany.

420,349 11/ 1934 Great Britain.

547,423 8/ 1942 Great Britain.

81,655 4/1953 Norway. 177,498 8/ 1935 Switzerland.

OTHER REFERENCES American Builder, February 1933, page 33, Scientific Library Call No. N A 1 A 35, copy in Group 350.

JOHN E. MURTAGH, Primary Examiner.

JAMES L. RIDGILL, JR., Assistant Examiner. 

3. AN UPRIGHT WALL COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A PLURALITY OF SUPER-IMPOSED COURSES OF DIMENSIONALLY UNSTABLE BLOCKS MADE OF WOOD, EACH OF SAID WOOD BLOCKS GENERALLY HAVING A PARALLELPIPED SHAPE, A WIDE LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING GROOVE IN THE LOWER FACE THEREOF DEFINED BY INWARDLY INCLINED SIDE SURFACES AND A WIDE AND FLAT BOTTOM SURFACE OF A WIDTH SUFFICIENT TO EXTEND OVER A LARGE PORTION OF THE WIDTH OF SAID BLOCK, A WIDE LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING UPWARDLY PROJECTING TONGUE ON THE UPPER FACE OF SAID BLOCK DEFINED BY INWARDLY INCLINED SIDE SURFACES AND A FLAT TOP SURFACE BY A WIDTH SUFFICIENT TO EXTEND OVER A LARGE PORTION OF THE WIDTH OF SAID BLOCK, SAID GROOVE AND SAID TONGUE BEING OF WIDTH AND SAID GROOVE BEING APPRECIABLY DEEPER THAN SAID TONGUE IS HIGH AN AMOUNT PROVIDING FOR MAINTAINING SPACED PARALLE LINES OF CONTACT OF THE ADJACENT BLOCK WHEN SAID BLOCK IS WARPED ARCUATELY TRANSVERSELY, SAID BLOCKS FORMING IN COMBINATION A STABLE UPRIGHT WALL HAVING CAVITIES IN THE CENTRAL PORTION. 